Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,55
the innuendos in conversation. A big task awaited Weston. He had to change all of Polite Society’s perception of him. Though only Elise’s opinion mattered to him, he felt a need for the ton to see him as the man he would be from now on, not the one they’d known for almost a decade.
He reached Hyde Park and proceeded to the Serpentine. Not many people were out for this first week in March. The day was chilly and the winds blustery. Still, he’d never let weather stop him from walking. It was one of the simple pleasures in life he enjoyed year-round. He moved briskly, lost in thought, until he heard the shouts of children ahead. Weston glanced up and even from a distance, he recognized Elise. She had all three children with her and a kite in her hand. As she ran, holding the kite in one hand and her skirts in the other, they chased after her. She got the kite in the air and handed the ball of string to her older nephew. The younger one also put his hands on it. She stood behind them, watching to see if they could control the kite in the strong wind.
His heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. His entire body came alive. Suddenly, it was clear as a bell to him.
He loved her.
He’d allowed Juniper the power to govern his life for too long, vowing he would never fall in love again after his one, disastrous experience. Having finally put aside the control she had over him, he’d never wanted to relinquish it to anyone else. Especially another woman. But Elise wasn’t just any woman. She was the antithesis of Juniper in every way. Warm to her cold. Kind and giving to Juniper’s selfishness. Humble instead of haughty.
Why guard his heart against a woman so wonderful?
Weston started toward them. Claire spotted him and ran to him. He knelt and she flung herself into his arms.
“Your Grace!” she cried. “You came to see us.”
“I did.” He rose, lifting her with him. The feel of this child in his arms tugged at his heartstrings. He loved the girl. He loved her mother. He would love all the children they made together.
Carrying Claire, he reached Elise. She wore her spectacles, which he’d never seen on her. She’d mentioned she only wore them to see things in the distance.
“Mama! His Grace is here.”
As he set Claire down, Elise turned. Her luminous smile made him feel as giddy as a schoolboy who’d just stolen his first kiss. Oh, how he wanted to kiss this woman. And much, much more.
“Good afternoon, Your Grace,” she said.
He started to correct her and then decided it wouldn’t do to have the children hear them address each other more intimately.
“Lady Ruthersby, I am delighted to have run into you.” He glanced about. “Are you here with the boys’ new governess? Or Lady Claire’s nursery governess?”
She’d written to him that both positions had been filled.
A sheepish look crossed her face. “They stayed behind. They’ve been very good with the children but you know the boys are quite energetic. I didn’t think it would hurt to give both women a brief respite. Besides, the children are used to spending a great deal of time in my company.”
“I need to spend a great deal of time with you,” he said, causing her to blush.
“I remember our arrangements, Your Grace,” she said. “In fact, I am having tea tomorrow afternoon with your sister and Lady Elizabeth. We are going to discuss the eligible ladies who will be in attendance this Season.”
So, Sam was inserting herself into the process. Weston would have her act as his spy and report back to him on all that was said. His sister had already declared Elise a perfect match for her brother. He wondered what schemes Sam might come up with to push the two of them together.
“Are you free for tea today?” he asked.
“Yes. Though Lord and Lady Ruthersby already have plans away from the house.”
“Even better. Then I will get you all to myself.”
“Help!” Joseph cried. “It’s getting away.”
He turned and saw the two boys struggling to hold the ball of twine and rushed to them, taking it in hand.
“Let’s bring it in,” he suggested. “There are some days that are too windy to fly a kite. This is one of them. Here, help me.”
Slowly, he turned the twine, aided by Joseph and Josiah, until the kite came back to earth.